QF's COVID-19 minimal network schedule

[Melburnian1]

On Sunday 22 November, QFd, VAd and JQd are each operating one SYD to MEL southbound flight.

Given the way that five State Premiers have used or are continuing to use lockdowns (and in Victoria's case, a curfew) as political playthings, with only Gladys B in NSW an exception, one has to be hesitant to make any predictions, but in theory unless we see an earthquake, pilots' strike or something else unusual, this should be the last time for a while that there's such minimal frequency.

On Monday 23 November with the NSW/Vic border reopening, QFd has scheduled 12 SYD to MEL southbounds. JQd has six. This may be below (for QFd) what Mr Joyce said on 6 November 'would occur in three weeks' as he then claimed QFd would have '75 flights each way per week, and JQd 42.
Granted there may be more as the week wears on, but typically there will be fewer on Saturdays. In fairness, passengers haven't had long to make a booking as many travellers decide plans a month or more in advance, particularly if for a holiday or visiting friends/relatives.

Pre-COVID-19,. at a guess QFd may have had about 35-38 flights on a 'normal' working Monday, with departures during the morning and afternoon peaks every 15 minutes.

 

[jakeseven7]

On Sunday 22 November, QFd, VAd and JQd are each operating one SYD to MEL southbound flight.

Given the way that five State Premiers have used or are continuing to use lockdowns (and in Victoria's case, a curfew) as political playthings, with only Gladys B in NSW an exception, one has to be hesitant to make any predictions, but in theory unless we see an earthquake, pilots' strike or something else unusual, this should be the last time for a while that there's such minimal frequency.

On Monday 23 November with the NSW/Vic border reopening, QFd has scheduled 12 SYD to MEL southbounds. JQd has six. This may be below (for QFd) what Mr Joyce said on 6 November 'would occur in three weeks' as he then claimed QFd would have '75 flights each way per week, and JQd 42.
Granted there may be more as the week wears on, but typically there will be fewer on Saturdays. In fairness, passengers haven't had long to make a booking as many travellers decide plans a month or more in advance, particularly if for a holiday or visiting friends/relatives.

Pre-COVID-19,. at a guess QFd may have had about 35-38 flights on a 'normal' working Monday, with departures during the morning and afternoon peaks every 15 minutes.

Also, Melbourne business though open and operating are still subject to WFH instructions. Our Melbourne corporate office is still basically physically “closed” but obviously still operating but we have to follow government guidelines. Dan Andrew’s has said this order will probably last until next year.

 

[Melburnian1]

Also, Melbourne business though open and operating are still subject to WFH instructions. Our Melbourne corporate office is still basically physically “closed” but obviously still operating but we have to follow government guidelines. Dan Andrew’s has said this order will probably last until next year.

True, but that doesn't affect airline patronage on its own for passengers ex Melbourne, though granted, it makes it challenging to visit unless you want to conduct meetings in someone's home.

 

[Melburnian1]

Yesterday I had a quick squiz at QFd bookings for MEL - SYD - MEL on Monday 23 November, the first day that the NSW/Vic border is again open.

Demand seems heavier northbound than southbound, judging by fares on offer.

Few if any flights looked to be booked out despite the small number compared with a year ago at the same time in November.

The greater apparent MEL to SYD demand may be mostly because offices are more open in Sydney than Melbourne, and also because unlike Sydney residents, Melburnians have been cooped up for so long and some will be wanting to visit relatives or holiday (including schoolies and uni students).

However removalists are also reporting Victorians starting to move to other states, Queensland and NSW in particular so that will also be a reason.

 

[dajop]

True, but that doesn't affect airline patronage on its own for passengers ex Melbourne, though granted, it makes it challenging to visit unless you want to conduct meetings in someone's home.

Can always go back to the old ways of long boozy lunches I jest, but I know here in Singapore before being allowed back into offices, colleagues would have meetings over over lunch or coffee - as long as they met the cap of 5 per group that was fine.

 

[TheInsider]

Yesterday I had a quick squiz at QFd bookings for MEL - SYD - MEL on Monday 23 November, the first day that the NSW/Vic border is again open.

Demand seems heavier northbound than southbound, judging by fares on offer.

Few if any flights looked to be booked out despite the small number compared with a year ago at the same time in November.

The greater apparent MEL to SYD demand may be mostly because offices are more open in Sydney than Melbourne, and also because unlike Sydney residents, Melburnians have been cooped up for so long and some will be wanting to visit relatives or holiday (including schoolies and uni students).

Looking at loads MEL-SYD for tomorrow, seems to be quite high. A lot of flights only have 15-30 seats left it seems.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Can always go back to the old ways of long boozy lunches

Or the old ways of long, boozy lounges.

cheers skip

 

[Melburnian1]

When borders reopen tomorrow, all northbound QFd MEL - SYD flights are B738s, except for the last, QF492 (the 1945 hours ex MEL that is an A333 as this aircraft arrives from PER.

Presumably apart from what the airline believes demand will be, much easier and cheaper to operate with one type of plane.

The 'old days' of widebodies years ago operating quite a few peak period flights (and the clockface 'XX00' departures in the middle of the day) have (at least for the time being) disappeared.

Have any of the QFd A332s returned to service yet?

Irrational as it may be (since a majority of passenger aircraft have middle seats), I prefer widebody aircraft and avoid the middle seat on a B738 (or A320) like the plague.

 

[AIRwin]

Irrational as it may be (since a majority of passenger aircraft have middle seats), I prefer widebody aircraft and avoid the middle seat on a B738 (or A320) like the plague.

Or rather COVID...

 

[justinbrett]

Can always go back to the old ways of long boozy lunches I jest, but I know here in Singapore before being allowed back into offices, colleagues would have meetings over over lunch or coffee - as long as they met the cap of 5 per group that was fine.

Old ways?

 

[milehighclub]

Have any of the QFd A332s returned to service yet?

All showing as out of service with 5 in BNE and 13 in SYD.

There is one A333 in BNE as well (QPA) which has been there since its last flight from HKG on 24/10

 

[Melburnian1]

All showing as out of service with 5 in BNE and 13 in SYD.

There is one A333 in BNE as well (QPA) which has been there since its last flight from HKG on 24/10

mile, many thanks.

With various State borders opening up (though Queensland and WA are laggards), the number of B738s QFd has operating will rise, but as of today with MEL-SYD-MEL 'open', how many of the QF B738s are in service? The airfleets site claims only 11 of 43 but surely it must be more than this?

 

[milehighclub]

The airfleets site claims only 11 of 43 but surely it must be more than this?

We have 75 of which 46 are now back online.

 

[Melburnian1]

We have 75 of which 46 are now back online.

Thanks. For some reason airfleets split up the B738s. So today, 61.3 per cent of the QF B738s are operating but nil of the A332s, plus (effectively 100 per cent) of the A333s in service (given that to have one out for maintenance could be considered 'normal') but none of the A388s. Quite the divergence.

 

[sudoer]

All showing as out of service with 5 in BNE and 13 in SYD.

I'm booked on a MEL-SYD A330 flight in the 2nd week Dec - reckon it'll get swapped?

 

[milehighclub]

I'm booked on a MEL-SYD A330 flight in the 2nd week Dec - reckon it'll get swapped?

Those aircraft mentioned were the 332. There are still 9 A333 in service so it wouldn't get swapped because of that. It would still run the risk of a swap due to normal operations, be it weather, technical or some other operational reason.

 

[sudoer]

There are still 9 A333 in service so it wouldn't get swapped because of that.

Ah right - sorry I missed the 332 in the post you'd quoted Indeed a 333 is scheduled.

 

[AIRwin]

My BNE-MEL flight on Christmas Eve was cancelled and the booking converted into a Travel Pass, but now I've just noticed that the original flight has been reinstated again...

 

[Melburnian1]

While from early this coming week there will be more flights from (and to) MEL as further State borders reopen (exception: WA), on Sunday 29 November 2020, QFd only has a total of 19 jet and six turboprop flights departing from the southern capital.

Pre COVID-19, on a typical non-school holidays or public holiday weekend Sunday, from MEL to SYD alone QFd would have had around 30-36 flights.

 

[Melburnian1]

On a big day for Victorians (and Sydneysiders) who can again travel over the Queensland state border (as can Banana Benders visiting these southerly locations), Tuesday 1 December 2020, QFd is still only operating a total of 29 flights ex MEL, a few of which (about five) are only turboprops.

Given all state borders are now 'open' except WA, this isn't many.

However in respect of some of the borders, such as Tasmania and Qld, prospective passengers have not had long to book. Not everyone is in a position to instantly do this.